The lotus effect, the hook-and-loop fastener and suction cups are just three of many examples from the field of bionic research. Many innovative technologies have their origins in nature, which came up with mechanisms better than anything humans could have invented: some animals for instance can move in a highly energy-efficient manner and can find their way and communicate even under adverse conditions. How can such extraordinary capabilities be applied to other areas? Which materials would be best suited to achieving this? Researchers in Germany are investigating these questions and developing new bionic solutions in some exciting ideas and projects. You can also read about how an Italian computer scientist in Germany intends to make robots more intelligent, learn about current funding programmes and discover our number of the month.
IN FOCUS: Bionics
Mother Nature – a treasure trove of ideas
We humans can learn a great deal from nature, as Leonardo da Vinci so aptly demonstrated. The polymath developed a flying machine that imitated the flight of birds. Bionics is the name given to the branch of science in which concepts from nature are applied to technology. In recent decades, German researchers have developed some remarkable technologies and formed successful interdisciplinary networks.
More
How diseases may soon be cured by spider’s webs
A glance out of the window is often all that is needed to see numerous natural miracles at work. Spider’s webs, for example: researchers in Germany have looked closely at their structure and have copied it. The artificial fibres they have created may soon be able to cure serious diseases.
More
Research opportunities for international computer scientists
A computer scientist, Anna Belardinelli hopes that her research work at the University of Tübingen will make robots more intelligent so that they can interact better with humans in future. In our interview, she explained what fascinates her about her scientific work and why she conducts her research in Germany.
MoreNUMBER OF THE MONTH
400 metres
That is how deep Jago, Germany’s manned research submersible, can dive. With its help, researchers are gaining new insights into the still largely unknown world of the deep sea. Jago has even played an important role in a television crime drama.
More